Pilot-Operated Tank Valve With Throttle Channel for Low-Force Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tank devices for hydrogen storage in fuel cell systems face challenges due to high safety requirements and system pressures, leading to structurally complex and heavy shut-off valves that require high installation space and energy for operation, which can result in deformation and increased weight during accidents.
Innovation Solution
A compact safety valve design featuring a solenoid coil-actuated pilot valve and a conically shaped main valve element with a throttle channel, allowing for a two-stage opening process that requires minimal magnetic force, reducing energy consumption and weight, and incorporating a structural design that minimizes axial compressive forces and wear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional shut-off valves are used to meet high safety requirements and system pressures, then safety and pressure resistance are improved, but device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The valve device is divided into two functional stages: a pilot valve for control and a main valve for flow regulation. The pilot valve element (24) with first seal seat (18) and main valve element (12) with second seal seat (6) operate sequentially, allowing the main valve to remain closed and protected until needed, thus reducing complexity while maintaining safety
Solution Approach 2:
The pilot valve acts as an intermediary that prepares the main valve for opening by equalizing pressures through the throttle channel (38). This intermediary stage reduces the force required to open the main valve and protects it from direct high-pressure exposure, reducing structural complexity
2Reliability
If conventional shut-off valves are used to meet high safety requirements, then safety is improved, but installation space requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pilot valve element (24) is positioned within the valve housing (102) such that it nests within the main valve structure. The pilot valve prepares the main valve for opening by equalizing pressures, allowing compact integration of safety functions without increasing installation space
3Stress or pressure
If conventional shut-off valves are used for high pressure systems, then pressure resistance is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve device is divided into two functional stages: a pilot valve for control and a main valve for flow regulation. The pilot valve element (24) with first seal seat (18) and main valve element (12) with second seal seat (6) operate sequentially, allowing the main valve to remain closed and protected until needed, thus reducing complexity while maintaining safety
Solution Approach 2:
The pilot valve acts as an intermediary that prepares the main valve for opening by equalizing pressures through the throttle channel (38). This intermediary stage reduces the force required to open the main valve and protects it from direct high-pressure exposure, reducing structural complexity
4Reliability
If conventional shut-off valves are used to meet safety requirements, then safety is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pilot valve acts as an intermediary that prepares the main valve for opening by equalizing pressures through the throttle channel (38). This intermediary stage reduces the force required to open the main valve and protects it from direct high-pressure exposure, reducing structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The pilot valve performs preliminary action by equalizing pressures across the main valve element before full opening is required. This preliminary pressure equalization reduces the energy needed to open the main valve, as the pressure differential is already minimized by the time the main valve opens
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution achieves a structurally simple, cost-effective, and energy-efficient valve operation with reduced deformation and increased service life, ensuring safe and efficient hydrogen storage and release in fuel cell systems.
Implementation Method 1
a solenoid coil (32), by means of which solenoid coil (32) the pilot valve element (24) can be moved along the longitudinal axis (48)
Implementation Method 2
a throttle channel (38) is formed, which throttle channel (38) comprises a conical widening counter to the direction of the second seal seat (6), as a result of which a throttling effect is formed
Data Source
AI summary
A tank device for storing a gaseous medium includes a valve device and a tank, the valve device includes a valve housing with a pilot valve element movable by a solenoid coil. The pilot valve element interacts with a first seal seat. A main valve element is arranged in the valve housing and, in order to open and close a through-opening, interacts with a second seal seat formed as a conical shoulder on the valve housing. A throttle channel is formed between the valve housing and an integrally molded shaping of the main valve element, which integrally molded shaping interacts with a second seal seat to open and close the through-opening, and said throttle channel has a conical widening against a direction of the second seal seat, whereby a throttle effect is provided, the valve device being openable in a direction of the tank when the solenoid coil is energized.